Table of Contents

  1. Confidence in Minister
  2. Details of the Attack
  3. Presidential Directive
  4. KNSI's Reaction
  5. Reviving the Safe Schools Initiative

A group of security analysts under the Keep Nigeria Safe Initiative (KNSI) has expressed their confidence in the capability of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, to secure the release of 25 students who were abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.

According to DAILY POST, the attack took place in the early hours of Monday, November 17, when armed assailants invaded the school, resulting in the death of the Vice Principal, Malami Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and the abduction of the students to an undisclosed location.

In response to the incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed Matawalle to move to Kebbi State to oversee military and security operations aimed at rescuing the girls.

In reaction to the President’s directive, KNSI noted that Matawalle’s previous experience as the Governor of Zamfara State—where he managed several mass kidnappings and successfully rescued thousands of victims without paying ransom—makes him well-qualified to lead this operation.

The group also highlighted Matawalle’s successful rescue of around 300 students from the Government Girls Science Secondary School in Jangebe in 2021, along with his track record in addressing mass kidnappings, underscoring his expertise in combating banditry and terrorism in the North-West region.

KNSI urged the Federal Government to revive the Safe Schools Initiative, which was launched in 2014 under President Goodluck Jonathan after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls. This initiative aimed to relocate students from high-risk areas and to provide security measures such as fencing and surveillance systems to ensure the safety of schools.

The group emphasized that reinstating this program would enhance school security across the nation and help prevent future abductions.

What is the Keep Nigeria Safe Initiative (KNSI)?

The Keep Nigeria Safe Initiative (KNSI) is a group of security analysts focused on enhancing safety and security measures in Nigeria, particularly in response to issues such as abductions and terrorism.

What happened during the attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School?

The attack occurred in the early hours of November 17, when armed gunmen invaded the school, resulting in the death of the Vice Principal and the abduction of 25 students.

What is the Safe Schools Initiative?

The Safe Schools Initiative is a program launched in 2014 to protect students in high-risk areas by providing security infrastructure and relocating them from dangerous environments.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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